Peer Review

The mission of the American Heart Association (AHA) is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our mission drives everything we do. To that end, the AHA is continually enhancing and refining its review process to ensure that we are able to identify and fund the most meritorious research projects in support of our mission.

New AHA Research Peer Review Announcement

The Association has recently approved the participation of lay reviewers in its peer review process. Starting with the Spring 2014 peer review cycle, lay reviewers will be added to study sections and are asked specifically to evaluate the potential impact of research applications to the mission of the AHA. This potential impact assessment will be based primarily on the lay summary document requested of each applicant. The lay summary will be reviewed for mission impact during the peer review process and may be assessed by a lay reviewer. Lay reviewers are individuals without formal training as a scientist who have a strong interest in advancing the prevention and/or management of heart disease and stroke and assist in the review of AHA research applications. Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure the lay summary document portion of the application speaks clearly to potential impact of their proposed work on the AHA mission and is stated clearly in language that can be understood by a non-scientist.

The AHA's Grants@Heart site is a web-based system for application preparation, submission, peer review, and awards management. The system is available 24/7. An application for funding can be completed and submitted to the AHA online. Peer reviewers logon and complete all their tasks for peer review, and the system even allows for virtual meetings. Once an award is granted, the principal investigator and fiscal officer can manage the award online.